Since the beginning of this health crisis European Best Destinations www.europeanbestdestiantions.com has been giving to millions of travellers regular information about the situation with the publication of updated maps in real time of the situation linked to coronavirus "Covid-19" in the world (WHO).
The situation has constantly changed: first we communicated with travellers about the destinations to avoid, then, at the peak of the crisis and following the WHO recommendations, we advised travellers to stay at home.
Many European countries are opening their borders and flights and hotels are also reopening now. After weeks of confinement travellers want to travel to Europe but do not know where to travel and what safety measures are being taken in countries and regions.
We have selected for them some of the destinations least affected by Covid-19 (up to 260 times fewer Covid-19 cases). These destinations have also implemented very specific protocols concerning hygiene in accommodations, restaurants, shops and measures such as the change of air conditioning filters between each traveller stay, availability of masks and social distancing.
These destinations also benefit from proximity to hospitals and have a higher number of hospital beds per inhabitant than the majority of European countries.
We recommend travellers to remain vigilant and do not forget the barrier gestures, social distancing, wearing the mask when possible and necessary. We also recommend them to avoid travelling if their health is poor. People over 70, overweighted or with respiratory problems should be particularly vigilant. It is also our responsibility to protect our most fragile loved ones and the people from our host countries.
The European Safest Destinations will be promoted to millions of travellers, media and tourism professionals on the most visited website dedicated to tourism in Europe, also first ranked for travellers looking for “Coronavirus Safest Destinations”.
https://www.europeanbestdestinations.com/best-of-europe/coronavirus-safest-holiday-destinations/
TBILISI - GEORGIA
Tbilisi is the capital of Georgia a country that has been one of the least affected in the world by coronavirus. The country reacted very quickly with measures that kept the epidemic at an extremely low level. There are up to 260 times fewer cases of Covid-19 in Georgia than in the most affected European countries.
If the country is reopening its borders on July 1st to travellers, it is also implementing a series of health measures to protect travellers but also its citizens for a safe and relaxing holiday.
This health crisis has made us rethink our way to travel. More than ever we want to live new experiences. Tbilisi is exactly what we need now: an open-minded destination, which mixes better than any other past, present and future, culture and leisure. The Capital of Georgia is more trendy than ever in 2020; it is the ideal destination for culture, gastronomy, diversity and architecture lovers. The "wow" effect is guaranteed.
Magnificent Haussmannian buildings mingle with buildings dating from the Middle Ages; one can also see neo-classical, Soviet or extremely modern buildings. Tbilisi is respectful of its past and turned towards the future, its youth and tomorrow’s challenges. Be sure to climb to the top of Tbilisi and admire the Kartlis Deda statue, the protector of the city. This site offers an exceptional panorama of the Georgian capital, the Peace Bridge, the Metekhi Church, the Sulfur baths, amazing Clock Tower – one of the major architectural attractions of Tbilisiand the Mtatsminda Amusement Park for young and old; there are hundreds of unique experiences to live in Tbilisi.
The Georgian capital is stunning in spring and summer when nature wakes up and in winter with its thousands of light bulbs and Christmas decorations and market. Did you know that Tbilisi is up to 5 times safer (criminality rate) than Paris or London? Did you know that Georgia has more hospital beds per thousand inhabitants than Sweden and Denmark? Another asset of Tbilisi is that there is a large offer of tourist apartments which is much wanted by travellers this year as well as small, boutique hotels, guesthouses. Need an additional argument? A stay in a 5-star hotel or in a private villa in Tbilisi will cost you up to 4 times less than in the same hotel of the same group in another European capital. Save on your accommodation and treat yourself to unforgettable experiences in Tbilisi such as a folk dance show with Georgian meal and discover the European Safest Destination 2020. ✔ Reopening to travellers: From July 1. No Quarantine.
CORFU – GREECE
This paradisiacal Greek island is a perfect destination to recharge your batteries after this stressful period. Greece is one of the European countries least affected by Coronavirus (up to 50 times less people infected than in the most affected European countries). The Greek healthcare system has never been overloaded during this health crisis. Moreover the country has more hospital beds per capita than many European countries.
Corfu is the place to be if you want a holiday that combines relaxation, sun, and nature.
✔ Reopening to travellers: From July 1. No Quarantine.
CAVTAT – CROATIA
Popular with celebrities, lovers, families, gastronomy, lovers of culture, nature, water sports, farniente, Cavtat is THE destination! Croatia is among the European countries least affected by Coronavirus with up to 20 times fewer infected people per million inhabitants than in the most affected countries. Croatia is also one of the European countries with the highest number of hospital beds per inhabitant.
Dubrovnik hospital is a 20-minute drive from Cavtat and the airport is only 10 minutes. Need another reason to choose Cavtat for a holiday? Cavtat has a huge selection of private villas, tourist apartments and small family hotels (they are travellers’ favourites this summer). In addition, Croatia has implemented hygienic and sanitary measures in larger hotels.
✔ Reopening to travellers: From July 1. No Quarantine.
THE AZORES – PORTUGAL
If Portugal was less affected by Coronavirus, the Azores like the Algarve were even more spared. The Azores are a perfect destination if you need to reconnect with nature. If you like hiking, flora and fauna, dolphins & whales watching, tasting local products, living real experiences, the Azores are perfect for a holiday.
✔ Reopening to travellers: From July 1. No Quarantine.
PREVEZA – GREECE
How would you like your next holiday? In the sun, on the beach? Would you like to taste light and delicious Mediterranean cuisine, stay in a villa, or a tourist apartment or a family hotel? Preveza is for you. Preveza is a perfect choice this summer for a family holiday in one of the safest destinations in Europe (Covid-19).
Preveza has all the ingredients for a safe destination. Greece is one of the European countries least affected by coronavirus (up to 50 times less Covid-19 cases than in the most affected European countries); the destination has many assets: it has one of the longest beaches in Europe "Monolithi beach" (22 km long and 50 m wide). No social distancing problems! Sanitary measures were taken to welcome travellers (4m between each beach umbrella, airco filters changed between each stay in a room, disinfection of hotel rooms, ...). Preveza is surrounded by 3 hospitals ready to welcome travellers when/if needed (including a university hospital) and is located just 10 minutes’ drive from Aktion Airport. Did you know that Greece has more hospital beds per capita than the United Kingdom or Canada? Greece will probably be one of the favourite destinations among travellers this summer. ✔ Reopening to travellers: From July 1. No Quarantine.
THE ALENTEJO – PORTUGAL
Portugal has been relatively spared from the Coronavirus with up to 40 times less people infected than anywhere else in Europe; some regions such as the Alentejo have even been almost “Covid-19 free” so far.
The Alentejo, bordered by the Atlantic Ocean attracts more and more travellers in search of simplicity in an unspoiled nature. Don’t miss a visit to Evora, share a wine tasting (they are among the most famous ones in Europe) with family or friends and treat yourself to a road trip along the coast from Comporta to Odeceixe.
✔ Reopening to travellers: From July 1. No Quarantine.
BATUMI – GEORGIA
Georgia is by far one of the countries least affected by Coronavirus. The country reacted very quickly with measures that kept the epidemic at an extremely low level. There are up to 260 times fewer cases of Covid-19 in Georgia than in the most affected European countries.
Batumi is an extraordinary destination that will leave you with memories for a lifetime. It’s impossible to get bored in Batumi which combines beach, relaxation, wellness, sustainable tourism, nature, trekking, leisure, shopping, culture, gastronomy, wine tourism and unique attractions for children (Aquapark) and grown-ups.
This destination is not only one of the safest in Europe for Coronavirus but also one of the safest with a crime rate up to 5 times lower than most European capitals. Do you have/want to postpone your holiday for a few weeks because of Coronavirus? No problem, Batumi is also perfect in autumn: temperatures in September and October are very pleasant.
Batumi is a splendid mix of beautiful scenery, vibrant culture and legendary hospitality. It is the main city of Adjara and second largest city of Georgia. This beautiful city invites you to experience the contrast of historic ancient sites as well as modern lifestyle. Adjara region is full of diversity: the sea and high mountains, sightseeing of cultural monuments, monasteries, arch bridges, beautiful lakes and authentic villages. Here, you will try the different flavours of wines and undiscovered cuisine, feel the power of ecotourism, become a family member of open-hearted hosts. Their mountains, that stand close to the sky will make you feel in harmony with nature. Check-in at the "Pearl of the Black Sea", the easternmost point of Europe.
If you want a final argument in its favour, Batumi has more than 30 hospitals including university hospitals which have never been overcrowded since the start of this health crisis and can welcome foreign travellers if necessary.
✔ Reopening to travellers: From July 1. No Quarantine.
ZAGREB – CROATIA
Zagreb is travellers’ favourite destination in Croatia. For years it has been a must-see destination for a city break, the starting point for a road trip in Croatia, a romantic destination throughout the year, and a destination rewarded for its Christmas market. Croatia has been rather preserved by coronavirus with up to 20 times fewer infected people than in any other European countries. Well-equipped in healthcare, it also has more hospital beds per inhabitant than most European countries.
Come enjoy its thousands of terraces in summer, have coffee with friends, read the newspaper or watch a football match (the Croats are passionate about football). Zagreb is perfect in summer: life is outside in its many beautiful parks. It is a also a beautiful destination for lovers of shopping, history, culture, architecture and it’s very Instagrammable too! You’d rather take your time and not hurry to book your holiday right now? No problem: you can book your stay now for December and discover one of the most beautiful Christmas market in Europe.
✔ Reopening to travellers: From July 1. No Quarantine.
ALGARVE – PORTUGAL
Portugal is one of the countries least affected by coronavirus with up to 40 times fewer infected people than in some European countries. Some regions have been almost entirely spared: the Algarve and the Alentejo for example and some of the most popular destinations for travellers, such as "Lagos" have not recorded any deaths related to Coronavirus. Portuguese authorities reacted very quickly and Portugal, with a fairly large clothing industry, was able to produce masks very early and even export them abroad. With its hundreds of kilometres of beaches, Portugal is a perfect destination for this summer. The Algarve is particularly appreciated by families. Unlike other tourist destinations in Europe, 60% of the Algarve tourist accommodation offer consists of tourist accommodation, private villas with swimming pools, apartments, guesthouses or small hotels. The destination is therefore perfectly suitable for travellers this summer. As for larger hotels, a label has been created by the tourist authorities of Portugal: the "Safe and Clean" label: it gives travellers guarantees of sanitary and cleanliness standards.
✔ Reopening to travellers: From July 1. No Quarantine.
SIBIU – ROMANIA There were 15 times fewer "Covid-19" cases in Romania than in the most affected European countries. Some destinations like Sibiu County had even no deaths linked to Coronavirus. Sibiu is a perfect destination for all types of travellers: for Instagram addicts who want to blow up their Insta accounts, for history buffs and nature lovers. Thanks to its mayor ‘s commitment, Sibiu has developed many green spaces in the city but also soft mobility, leisure spaces, parks… Sibiu is famous now and is regarded as one of the European destinations with the best quality of life. Sibiu, with other regions such as the Azores, fights against global warming and takes real measures to protect environment; it is also committed to sustainable tourism development based on respect for nature and human beings. Do you want a final argument to reassure you? Did you know that Romania has more available hospital beds per inhabitant than Belgium, Switzerland or the Netherlands? In addition, hospitals in Sibiu were never overcrowded during this health crisis and could, accommodate travellers if necessary.
✔ Reopening to travellers: From July 1. No Quarantine.
KOTOR – MONTENEGRO
While there have been very few cases of Coronavirus in Montenegro (60 times fewer than in the most affected countries), Kotor remained a green zone during the crisis with no case of coronavirus detected. Did you know that Montenegro has more available hospital beds per capita than Norway, Ireland and Canada? Kotor is one of the most beautiful destinations in Europe: this town is a romantic destination for travellers in love, a gastronomic destination for foodies, a hyper instagrammable destination, a haven of peace for nature, trekking, walking or cycling lovers. Discover this great destination and treat yourself to memories for a lifetime.
✔ Reopening to travellers: From July 1. No Quarantine.
RIJEKA – CROATIA
Croatia has been rather preserved by coronavirus with up to 20 times fewer Covid-19 cases than in any other European country. Well-equipped in healthcare, it also has more hospital beds per inhabitant than most European countries.
Elected European capital of culture and rewarded among the best European destinations 2020, Rijeka is a perfect destination for a safe city trip holiday on the beach. It will be one of the top destinations this summer. Croatians love coffee terraces fitted with foggers and television: you can have a nice time there or decide to drive to the many beaches around Rijeka. You will be amazed by the crystal clear waters of Croatia!
✔ Reopening to travellers: From July 1. No Quarantine.
WARSAW – POLAND
Poland is one of the European countries least affected by Coronavirus, along with Portugal and Greece. There are up to 20 less Covid-19 cases there than in the most affected countries of Western Europe. No hospital has ever been overloaded and Poland has more hospital beds per inhabitant than the Netherlands or Switzerland. Warsaw is one of the most incredible cities in Europe. Its history is that of a people capable of facing any situation, of recovering and moving forward. Facing Coronavirus, the Polish message has always been very clear: “Warsaw survived two world wars. We will get through this one too. See you very soon!" Warsaw is very rich and human, as are many Polish cities; its people show great respect for traditions but also for the youth (there are trendy cafes and bars, open-air concerts in summer, trendy and ephemeral shops but also incredible museums, an old town renovated after the Second World War and many places to discover for lovers of classical music and Chopin in particular. Hyper instagrammable too, Warsaw is a city to put at the top of your travel wishlist. Do you need a final argument? Did you know that Warsaw is one of the safest cities in Europe with a crime rate up to 4 times lower than other major European capitals? ✔ Reopening to travellers: From July 1. No Quarantine.
VIENNA – AUSTRIA
Austria has been less affected than any European countries with up to 10 times fewer infected people than anywhere else in Europe. Vienna is visited by history buffs, lovers, families looking for a safe and peaceful destination throughout the year. Vienna is often selected for this reason which is not only a feeling but a reality: the rate of criminal offenses is 3 times lower in this capital than in any other European capitals. With many parks and environmentally friendly means of transport, Vienna is one of the cities with the best quality of life in Europe. It is a good compromise for city breakers and nature lovers! You’d rather take your time and not hurry to book your holiday right now? No problem. Discover Vienna at Christmas: its Christmas markets are ranked among the best Christmas markets in Europe.
✔ Reopening to travellers: From July 1. No Quarantine. Vienna will welcome travellers from July 1st. Before that date a health certificate is required on entry, stating that the traveller is not infected.
BOHINJ – SLOVENIA
Awarded by the European Commission as one of the best sustainable tourism destinations in Europe, Bohinj is a haven of peace for lovers of nature, outdoor sports, trekking, local products, crafts, real experiences...
Slovenia has been very little affected by Coronavirus (10 times less covid-19 cases than the most affected countries). Moreover it has more hospital beds per inhabitant than the majority of European countries. Bohinj is only 40 minutes from Ljubljana’s airport and hospitals.
Bohinj is the green lung of Slovenia (which is an incredibly nature-oriented country). Discover one of the best sustainable tourism destinations in Europe.
✔ Reopening to travellers: From July 1. No Quarantine.
MALTA
There have been up to 55 times fewer cases of Coronavirus in Malta than in the most affected European countries. Did you know that Malta has more hospital beds per resident than Finland, Ireland or the United Kingdom? As the epidemic has been very limited in Malta, hospitals have never been overcrowded and will be able to accommodate travellers if necessary.
Knowing this what about diving into the turquoise water of the Mediterranean and discovering the treasures and riches of one of the most beautiful destinations in Europe? Lay your beach towel on Riviera bay beach or on one of the many other beaches in Malta. If you really want to distance yourself from the crowd this summer you can also book your stay in Gozo: the island is smaller than the main island and ideal for nature lovers, hikers or scuba divers.
✔ Reopening to travellers: From July 1. No Quarantine.
GDANSK – POLAND
Poland is one of the trendiest European destinations and Gdansk is one its tourist pearls. This city also bears the pretty nickname of "Pearl of the Baltic".
Poland was 20 times less affected than some European countries, it has more hospital beds per inhabitants than the majority of European countries. Moreover sanitary measures have been implemented to welcome travellers in hotels, restaurants and shops.
Gdansk is a family destination too; it is one thousand years old: its historic districts is of rare beauty. Once you know this, all you have to do is ask yourself: "Is it worth a city break?" The answer is « yes ! ».
Don't waste time and book your plane tickets to Gdansk. Want to think about it before you book? Visit Gdansk during the winter holidays: the Gdansk Christmas Market is ranked among the most beautiful Christmas markets in Europe!
✔ Reopening to travellers: From July 1. No Quarantine.
VILNIUS – LITHUANIA
With 20 times fewer people infected by Coronavirus than in the most affected European countries, Lithuania is a country to discover during your next holiday. With a high average of hospital beds per inhabitant (only Germany and Austria do better in Europe), Lithuanian hospitals have never been overwhelmed during the crisis and can accommodate, if necessary, travellers with health problems.
Vilnius is a perfect destination for families, lovers or solo travellers. Do you need an additional argument in favour of this? Vilnius is twice as safe as most European capitals. You dare not travel yet? Think about Vilnius at Christmas and book now: its Christmas market is one of the most beautiful in Europe and its Christmas tree is ranked on the first place on the podium of the most beautiful Christmas trees in Europe.
✔ Reopening to travellers: From July 1. No Quarantine.
RIGA – LATVIA
With 50 times fewer infected people than in some European countries, Latvia is one of the destinations least affected by this pandemic. Their hospitals have never had to face overpopulation problems due to Coronovirus.
The city has always lived in close cooperation with nature, which is still an important part of its residents’ daily lives – the many public parks, forests, squares, lakes and city canal. Riga has hills and islands as well as beaches. Nesting birds and even beavers call the city home. In addition, considering the relatively compactness of the city, many of its sites are within walking distance: special urban pulse points and green relaxation zones, a dynamic city atmosphere and the romance of rural idylls.
✔ Reopening to travellers: From July 1. No Quarantine.
WILD TAIGA – FINLAND
With 15 times fewer Covid-19 cases than in some European countries, Finland is one of the destinations least affected by this pandemic.
After being locked up for long weeks what you really need is nature and big spaces! That settles it! Finland is your next destination! Wild Taiga, rewarded by the European Commission with the “EDEN” label, is the perfect destination for sustainable tourism.
There‘s so much to do: walking, canoeing, swimming in a lake, watching birds, flowers, but also bears in their natural environment. Wild Taiga is the best gift you can treat yourself and your children to.
✔ Reopening to travellers: From July 1. No Quarantine.
ABOUT US
European Best Destinations is a travel website developed to promote culture and tourism in Europe. In partnership with the participating tourism offices and the EDEN Network we promote a better understanding of the wealth, diversity and quality of European destinations.
Thanks to an excellent communication with an audience of e-citizens, European Best Destinations plays an important role in promoting Europe as the number one destination in the world. It has become the meeting place for tourism offices and world travellers, a main gateway to the discovery of Europe.
Since 2009 EBD has been working with major tourism offices in Europe to reward and highlight the most visited destinations via its website and social networks (+6 million visitors and thousands of followers on Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest and 80,000,000 euros of media coverage).
We carry out the main tourism competitions in Europe and have been working with the European Commission for the pro- motion of sustainable tourism for 5 years. 90 EDEN-labelled destinations are promoted on the EBD website and we manage their communications.
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TESTIMONIALS
Mr Rui Moreira, the Mayor of Porto:
"European Best Destinations contest is an incredible way to boost the tourist inflow in cities. We have data to assert that European Best Destinations is one of the main reasons for the growth of popularity of Porto among travellers from all over the world. The number of flight travellers has nearly doubled from 6.9 M to 12 M!”
Mr Nicolas Martin, Executive Director Bordeaux Tourism:
”The year was exceptional in terms of tourism growth with an increase of 10.7% in interna- tional arrivals in Bordeaux Merignac Airport (source GDS / Forward Keys) or of 12.26% in hotels progression of Revenue per room (RevPar) for all categories (source MKG). Most nationalities are increasing, especially this year European travellers (British, Spanish, German, Swiss, Belgian, Italian ...). It is undeniable that the fact of being elected European Best Destination 2015 has contributed to this result, press fallouts after winning this title have been global and massive“.
Mrs Darja Jurbazic, Zagreb Tourism Board:
“The promotion of Zagreb with EBD team has given us a great opportunity to increase appeal of Zagreb as Croatia's capital and foster its visibility. The emphasis which EBD puts on city marketing and promotion is very valuable to us”.
Mr Ante Galic – Zadar Tourist Board:
"The year that we have been awarded "European Best Destination" we have had a record growth of +13% in overnight stays, when our yearly growth for many decades was of 6%. During this special year we reached a new administrative record of 447,925 arrivals and 1,721,928 overnight stays".
Mrs Isabella Menichini – Dirretore Area Turismo - Milano Turismo:
"Since 2009, Milan is promoted on EuropeanBestDestinations.com and this give us the oppor- tunity to reach millions of travellers but also the media"".
Mr Emmanuel Fromm, Colmar Tourist Board:
"Our collaboration with European Best Destinations has undeniably brought us an excellent complement of visibility and notoriety. EBD is one of the few organizations whose credibility is systematically repeated many times by the media as soon as our destination is quoted.. We hope to be able to count on their support for a long time!".
USE OF LOGO EUROPEAN BEST DESTINATIONS
Porto, Bordeaux, Zadar, Istanbul, Lisbon, Wroclaw, Budapest,… (European Best Destinations winners during the past 10 years) but also Strasbourg, Zagreb, Tallinn, (European Best Christmas Markets winners) or Val Thorens, Livigno, Avoriaz, SkiWelt, Alpe d’Huez (European Best Ski Resorts since 2010) have integrated the logo into their website, videos, paper com- munications (city maps, brochures, flags…) and communicated it to tourism professionals (hotels, airports, airlines) who all proudly display the logo on their websites.
The awarded destinations can use a tailor-made logo indicating that they have been chosen as one of the safest destinations in Europe. Free of use for their communication.
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CONTACT US
Phone: 0032.494.92.02.54 [email protected]
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